The Massachusetts primary is next Thursday, Sept. 8. Four candidates are running in the Democratic primary for Register of Deeds; a fifth candidate will appear only on the November general election ballot. The Gazette emailed customized questionnaires to each announced candidate for office asking them to answer two general questions: why Martha’s Vineyard voters should elect them and what their qualifications were for office. County office candidates were also asked why the job they are seeking should matter to local voters.

Paulo DeOliveira
Edgartown Democrat
Register of Deeds Candidate

Statement

I am the most qualified candidate and the only candidate that has worked for the Registry of Deeds. I have the full support and endorsement of current Register Dianne Powers, as well as my colleagues and over 20 Island attorneys. The Register needs to address complex questions and challenges that arise when recording documents; as the assistant register, I have an in-depth understanding of the office operation and its complexities that can only come with experience. My experience will be vital in providing a seamless transition of leadership. As assistant register, my unique and extensive first-hand experience in the operations and management of this office has fully prepared me for the role of Register. Becoming the next Register is both a logical next step and something that I am truly interested in, qualified for, passionate about and have worked hard for. As Register, I will continue to make a full time commitment to the office and ensure the highest quality of public service.

Qualifications

As assistant register I am well versed in the day-to-day operations both at the counter and behind the scenes. Using the registry as a title examiner or for research is very different than understanding what makes it run. I am the only candidate with experience working for the office, including managerial experience related to all aspects of the office operation. I have done extensive work indexing, electronic recording, office budgeting and IT. The position of Register is more than managerial; the Register holds the responsibility of determining the recordability of each document that is submitted; therefore the Register must be the most knowledgeable person in the office in terms of recording procedure and practice.

As assistant register, I have the necessary advanced knowledge and understanding of the behind the scenes complexities of recording documents.

I have also served as a volunteer firefighter and EMT with Edgartown fire department and as chairman of Edgartown finance committee.

Importance of Registry

The Registry of Deeds is important and indispensable to our community. In addition to being responsible for the filing and maintaining of all public records and documents relating to real estate ownership, the Registry also houses and preserves fascinating documents that guard our county’s history. In my time working for the Registry I have kept a record of some of the more notable documents, which include an original deed from 1685 written in Wampanoag, a disposition by Thomas Taylor of the Sloop Endeavor for a lost slave and the deed that established Edgartown as a town. Everything that is recorded at the Registry is public record, so it can serve as a useful and interesting tool for personal research. Many people come to the Registry to learn more about their family history. Importantly, the proper recording of documents at the Registry also serves as a resource for landowners to ensure that they are not faced with unexpected complications that could impact the marketability of their homes.